NFL Draft 2022: 5 predictions for 49ers second-round pick

49ers prediction No. 1: DB Jalen Pitre, Baylor

Yes, another Niner Noise article touting Baylor defensive back Jalen Pitre.

At the time of this writing, the 49ers are still looking at veteran strong safety Jaquiski Tartt unsigned in free agency, and there’s absolutely no guarantee he’ll return. And while the Niners inked fellow safety George Odum as a potential replacement, Odum is more renouned for his work on special teams and not so much as a long-term defensive starter.

Tartt could return, yes. But the Niners also have to allocate resources to make up for nickel cornerback K’Waun Williams, too, leaving in free agency to sign with the Denver Broncos. And while Emmanuel Moseley could be the de facto replacement, it surely wouldn’t hurt to infuse yet more talent into the defensive backfield.

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That’s where Pitre comes into play.

Pitre is as versatile as they come in the secondary, having played both safety spots and at cornerback, both on the boundary and inside. A year ago, the 5-foot-11 and 198-pound Pitre recorded an impressive two interceptions, seven pass breakups and 3.5 sacks, showing the ability to produce in pass defense while also rushing on blitz packages, too.

Whether he immediately emerges as a starter or as a high-quality backup to support an array of positions within the defensive backfield, Pitre could offer up a lot if he winds up falling to No. 61 overall.